The Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW and the ACT

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1 The Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW and the ACT POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Relationships & Resourcing Team Multicultural Consultant LOCATION: ACCOUNTABLE TO: ROLE PURPOSE AND KEY ACTIVITIES: Uniting Mission & Education is located at the Centre For Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta. Director, Uniting Learning Network As part of the Uniting Learning Network The Multicultural Consultant will work, as part of the Team and through a range of co-operative working relationships within the NSW & ACT Synod, and have a particular focus on : (1) developing strategies and resources that equip non-english and English speaking congregations and Presbytery leaders to more effectively implement processes and practices that will grow an inclusive and multicultural church at mission in the Australian community. (2) the development of appropriate processes and relationships which create, or respond to new opportunities in multicultural contexts, and with second generation leaders, and particularly which grow ministry and leadership capacity. (3) growing and encouraging partnerships, particularly with UnitingWorld, and promotion and advocacy for people from different cultural backgrounds in Church processes, policies and strategies. POSITION OVERVIEW: This position is situated within the Resourcing Centre of United Theological College, a ministry of Uniting Mission & Education, NSW/ACT Synod, Uniting Church in Australia. The Resourcing Centre is focused on consultancy, resource development and delivery, training, education and research. 1

2 WORK RELATES TO: Uniting Learning Network Resourcing Centre, United Theological College Other centres within United Theological College Multicultural Ministry Advisory Group Members of Presbyteries and congregations Uniting World UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE RESOURCING CENTRE Teamwork Uniting Mission and Education staff work co-operatively to achieve team goals. Inter-dependence and flexibility is an expected quality of staff relationships. From time to time specific tasks may be introduced into a particular job description, or all job descriptions, to reflect the changing context in which UME staffing operates. Consultancy consultancy, with presbyteries, congregations and agencies, under the overall direction of the Director, ULN. For this position, those consultancy situations particularly focus on multicultural and cross-cultural context and issues. 1. General consulting and mission planning with presbyteries and congregations. 2. Mentoring presbytery based and other ministry agents in the use of consultancy techniques, tools and approaches. 3. Work with Presbytery staff and committees to enhance cross-cultural understanding, policies and processes. 4. Ministry training and discipleship of potential and developing leaders. Resource Development and Delivery resource development, delivery and train the trainer. Wherever possible these resources will be developed and delivered collaboratively with presbyteries, agencies and other UCA education and training providers. In consultation with the whole team, and under the direction of the ULN Director, particular team members will be expected to be the lead agent for a particular resource, course or program, providing overall coordination, and significantly contributing content to the development, delivery and train the trainer for that particular resource, and enabling the contributions of others from the team and from presbyteries or other agencies to be appropriately used. This team member might particularly be asked to be the lead agent for resources in areas such as intergenerational workshops or cross-cultural conflict resolution. 2

3 Research research and development, exploring learning for the church in contexts in which ministry occurs. Team Projects In consultation with the whole team and under the direction of the Uniting Learning Network Director, team members will be expected to contribute to major team projects. These include work developed in response to the Synod s strategic directions. Report to Synod Each 18 months, Resourcing Centre members will be expected to attend (whether as members or not) the meeting of the NSW/ACT Synod and be involved in activities reporting on behalf of United Theological College and UME as a whole. Networking All team members will be expected to be members of, or in connection with, various committees, networks or groups in which they will contribute to the understanding of those groups, seek ways of developing and maintaining collaboration, and advocate for their own focus area, as well as for the work of the team more generally. The participation of team members in committees and networks will be determined in consultation with the whole team under the direction of the Director, ULN. For this particular role, such membership will include being a member of the Multicultural Ministry Advisory Group. Meetings and Policies and Procedures This position is part of a collegial Ministry team and will require a commitment to understanding, respecting and valuing the gifts and individual faith journeys of other team members, and to continual high quality communication within the team. The team will also be committed to developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with other institutions and agencies. (1) Attend regular team meetings, and other such UME and Synod meetings, as determined by the Director, ULN and/or Executive Director, and contribute as appropriate. (2) Participate in team retreats and planning sessions. (3) Contribute to the continuous development of UME policies, systems and processes. 3

4 ROLE SPECIFIC CORE COMPETENCIES: Demonstrate a theological understanding of contextual mission, discipleship and leadership formation, and new forms of Church, particularly within a multicultural perspective, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of theological and cultural perspectives. Breadth of knowledge and experience for effective interaction and leadership, within both Church and community, and across diverse cultures, generations, and rural & urban contexts. Excellent oral and written communication, and presentation skills. Strong ability to listen well, promote effective communication, maintain complex relationships, and build mutual trust across different constituencies in ways which empower others in their discipleship and leadership. Excellent ability to establish and maintain relationships with other team members, and with other partners, which focus on strengths and commonly owned and agreed goals. Ability to discern and analyse opportunities which demonstrate the movement of God, in real ways which grow missional awareness and capacity in the Uniting Church in multicultural contexts. Experience and passion for working in the context of multicultural mission and ministry, in ways which demonstrate leadership and initiative. This role requires a flexible approach in order to fulfil the myriad of duties required. PERSON SPECIFIC CORE COMPETENCIES: A team player who can prioritise activities in relation to the work of the team, and work under the oversight of a designated team leader, as well as effectively manage their own work activities and priorities. Proven adaptability and flexibility. Ability to see the big picture whilst recognising the importance of attention to detail and following through on commitments, and to be able to use time effectively. A high level of energy and drive with a good balance between persistence, and being an effective reflective practitioner who learns from experiences. Demonstrated commitment to work within and represent the ethos and polity of the Uniting Church in a diverse range of contexts. Ability to think theologically and missionally, with a focus on emerging Church trends and their relevance and application to mission and ministry with the next generations, and an openness to continued reflection and learning. 4

5 PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: A deep personal faith in Christ, and commitment to spirituality, Christian life and practice in life and leadership. A good sense of intuition and timing to know what might be possible at any given moment, and to be able to discern the appropriate way forward. An ability to read how people are feeling in times of change or uncertainty, and to pace initiatives to ensure that change does not stall, nor is paced in a way that overly de-stabilises. Strong personal awareness, particularly in relation to interactions with others, being able to see things from others perspectives, including those from differing cultural backgrounds. A high-level of self-confidence and personal integrity. An optimistic spirit and an ability to foster hope among others. Sense of humour. POSITION SPECIFIC CRITERIA: Essential: Desirable: Knowledge / Qualifications / Work Experience Understanding of and commitment to work within the polity and ethos of the Uniting Church as expressed in the Basis of Union, including familiarity with and knowledge of the UC organisational structure and culture, that arises from a deep personal Christian faith. Demonstrated reflective theological capacity, considering contemporary reflections on the nature of God s mission in a diverse and multicultural society, and be a prophetic voice and practitioner for the church s place in that mission. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, and take initiative, which shows experience and passion for working within the context of cross-cultural mission and ministry. Demonstrated experience in collaborative networking, liaison and advocacy across diverse cultural, generational, institutional, geographic and/or other communities in ways which build strong relationships, cross-cultural understanding, and leadership capacity in individuals and groups. Awareness of personal leadership strengths and abilities, and demonstrated experience in utilising these effectively within both a small team and wider organisational contexts. Excellent communication, presentation and conflict resolution skills. Demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth. Passion for new forms of Church, and demonstrated ability to introduce new initiatives or programs. Computer skills on a range of software, including E mail and internet. Relevant tertiary qualifications in an area such as Theology, HR, Community Welfare, Education or similar. 5